Prospect Profiles: Brandon Brooks

Has experience playing left tackle and both guard spots, but his body type says more guard only in the NFL. He is a long armed guy for his size. However, possesses a physical make-up and carries his weight well. Struggles in space when asked to get out and pull. Looks a little top heavy, doesn’t possess “plus” range when asked to get into the second level and lacks ideal balance when trying to breakdown and take proper angles. Has a tough time changing directions once he gets his momentum going and routinely will whiff into contact. Nevertheless, is a naturally strong kid in the run game as an in-line guy. Showcases good bend when asked to coil up into his stance. Did a much better job as a senior keeping his pad level down and running his legs through contact while staying engaged. Showcases quick hands off the snap. Doesn’t have a real explosive first step, but is so powerful he can create a push in-line as a run blocker.

Does a good job sitting into his stance in the pass game. His size and natural power allows him to be a “plus” anchor player vs. the bull rush. Plus, his length again allows him to gain leverage into contact and he’s really improved his punch as the year went on. Is an above-average athlete for his size and exhibits solid change of direction skills. But, isn’t real technically sound with his footwork in pass protection at times. Doesn’t stay real balanced, wants to be aggressive and get his hands on lineman, and will get caught lunging into contact. .

Impression: Is a big, strong kid who has some lateral quickness for his size but needs some technique work. Nevertheless, has some upside and can win consistently in the run game and pass game and looks like an NFL starter in an angle scheme to me.

• Heavy-footed
• Below-average athletic ability
• Average lateral agility and recovery quickness
• Does not always play to his size and lacks a visible mean streak
• Not a self-starter
• Weight balloons and conditioning will have to be monitored

The Way We See It:

Has ample size and girth to hold down the fort inside, as he possesses starter-caliber traits to be an effective short-area drive blocker, though he will have to keep his weight in check, adopt a more professional work ethic and ratchet up his intensity

Pass Blocking: Brooks is a naturally strong athlete that is exceptional anchoring in the pass game. The combination of length and strength allow him to win most of the leverage battles. He has strong hands that allow him to be sticky on contact. He’s tough to shake once he gets his arms extended and his hands inside the defenders chest plate. He doesn’t have great range which probably makes him best suited to play on the interior. His footwork in his slide needs a ton of work (crosses feet and gets off balance). He has a tendency to lunge into contact rather keeping his base and sliding with his feet.

Run Blocking: Brooks has a naturally strong build that allows him to push defenders where he wants. He has long arms and is sticky through contact. Keeps his pad level down and engages through the whistle. He’s not an explosive athlete by any means but doesn’t need to be with his strength. He’s not going to excel as a move blocker as he really struggles to break down in space.

Technique: His footwork leaves a bit to be desired. He crosses his feet and loses balance too easily. He does use good hand placement and is a force once his hands are on the defender.

Athleticism/Strength: Good athlete for his size. His natural strength and long arms make up for a lot of what he lacks athletically. He doesn’t possess elite range on the edge but good enough to be an effective RT in the league. His strength is other-worldly.

Bottom Line: Brandon Brooks is an impressive physical specimen that carries his weight really well. Played guard and tackle at Miami but his game fits better in-line in the NFL. He’s a perfect fit in a power run scheme that doesn’t require him to move block in open spaces often. Man on man, you won’t find many better than Brooks in this draft. This was a guy I was able to see in person on several occasions and was the clear standout in all the games. Impressive and intimidating size.

VIDEO:

No video. He’s a guard.

GiantsGab Thoughts:

Brandon Brooks is a big, powerful guard prospect. Played tackle in college, and I think he could function at right tackle in the pros, but is better suited to move inside. Really, really strong. Uses that to manhandle defenders. Not super athletic, so he kind of gets lost in space. But, his strength is his best attribute. 3rd round pick. Is he ready? Not sure. Has technique issues, like most prospects, but I think those are correctable. I think he can start sooner rather than later, and be a power guard in a power scheme. The Giants’ run game was awful last year, and I think a guy like Brooks will help to remedy that.

4 Responses to “Prospect Profiles: Brandon Brooks”

There is some film on him, so I checked it out. He’s not really a Giants type player but will fit certain schemes as a guard. Although if he is looked at for emergency versatility and strictly as a left guard prospect he might have some merit in the 5th round, I don’t think he’s fourth round material unless it’s late in the round and you need a guard prospect.

He has those slow heavy legs so don’t expect much in terms of pulling, he also has lazy feet unlike another big slow type OLineman Zebrie Sanders for instance who has quick active feet, it makes a big difference. He could have raised his stock so much had he invested time in getting into better shape and working on technique so I question his dedication to becoming a top NFL player.

I know the Giants like to pull their guards sometimes and you really can’t with him unless he really works hard to get into better shape. I did see flashes of ability in terms of overpowering other players and getting into the second level with effort but he cannot really play in space. I just don’t know if he has the motor to be a starter, he maybe a career backup NFL player.

This is a case were if I was going to consider him I would need to see him personally in workouts and talk with him, there are dedication issues especially with conditioning.